The Joy of a Perfect Crunch: My Fried Chicken Sandwich Journey
A journey to perfect the ultimate fried chicken sandwich – crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. This recipe is inspired by fast-food favorites but elevated with homemade care and quality ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1⅓ pounds)
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons plus ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 to 6 cups vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Accent flavor enhancer (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup best-quality mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons store-bought barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 hamburger buns
- Bread-and-butter pickles
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable freezer bag; using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even ¼-inch thickness. Cut each pounded breast in half.
- Pour water into a medium bowl; add salt and sugar and whisk until dissolved. Place chicken breasts in brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Line a plate with paper towels. Pour oil into a large pot until it reaches a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Whisk egg and milk in a medium bowl. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, pepper, Accent (if using), and remaining salt in another bowl.
- Drizzle 4 tablespoons egg mixture into flour mixture and mix with a fork until clumpy.
- Remove chicken from brine and pat dry. Dip each breast into egg mixture, then into flour mixture, pressing firmly.
- Carefully place chicken into hot oil without crowding. Cook, turning, until golden brown and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes total. Place on paper towels to drain.
- Whisk mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and mustard in a small bowl.
- Spread sauce on top and bottom buns. Top each bottom bun with chicken and pickles. Close sandwiches and serve immediately.
Notes
- A deep-frying thermometer is helpful for maintaining oil temperature.
- Nutritional information is an estimate.
- Feel free to experiment with different sauces and pickles!